Membership Outreach

For each day in the month of February, the African American Steering Committee will be highlighting Local 700’s African American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African Americans have had on the industry.

Name: Janis Vogel

What’s your job? Television and Film Editor, Consultant Editor, Producer

List the credits you’re most proud of. “Ziwe,” “Year of the Everlasting Storm” – Laura Poitras, “Past Lives” – Celine Song

What are you working on right now? A second season of a major television series for Apple TV. A confidential documentary by director Shalini Kantayya

Who and what are your influences and/or mentors? Editor, Sabine Hoffman, has been a mentor of mine. I was her assistant editor on “Year of the Everlasting Storm” with Laura Poitras. I am inspired by her artistry, craft, and love for her work. She edited the film, “Passing,” which is such a gorgeous and brave film. 

What books are you reading, shows are you watching and/or movies you’re  excited about? 

I am in a book club, so I am currently reading “Lessons in Chemistry,” and “The Dictionary of Lost Words.” I also recently read “On Earth We are Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong, which I absolutely loved and hope there is a movie adapted soon. I recently watched the series, “Scenes from a Marriage,” which I loved. 

What would be your superhero name? CCC – Cool Calm and Collected – that is my super power. 

What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? February is always a time I reflect on my black heroes and how they need to be celebrated all year long. Black History month was started in an effort to encourage the addition of black history to the standard American education in general, which I loved to learn. I have a four-year-old child who I am so proud to be teaching about black history and the color of her skin, things I was not intentionally taught about as a child myself. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? That saying no is saying yes to something better. There are a lot of opportunities flying around and it’s important not to make them based off of anything other than your true inner knowing what is right for you at that time in your life. I was offered a job on P-Valley when my child was 3-months-old and she was sleeping in the carrier while I was on the phone with the producer. I was so torn about what to do, but I said no. 7 months later they needed someone to fill in on that show and they called me, so I got another chance and was bumped up to edit on episode. Sometime later I was asked to edit the show again and had to decline, and now I rest in my faith that opportunities like that will continue to come. The wait can be hard for the right thing, but it is worth it. 

If you could time travel, when would you go and why? I would love to go back in time and learn to edit on a Steenbeck. I would love for editing to be more physical now, because it truly is a dance to edit, to find the rhythm of a scene and to score it. 

What’s a little known fact about you? What are your hidden (or not so  hidden) talents? I am a dancer. 

What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? I think Ziwe is the most revolutionary figure on television and I’m so proud to amplify her voice. 

Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? Agnes Varda was a huge inspiration for me to go into film. Her love for documentary and fiction. Her desire to observe humanity. 

What’s your personal/professional mantra?  Trust and surrender. Every project will be a first, so it’s become vital for my creative flow to trust in my talents and surrender to where the footage wants to take me. 

What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? Atsuko Okatsuka’s HBO comedy special – she is one of a kind brilliant and so is the editor, Wilbur, my friend. 

What would be your dream project to work on? I do love comedy and hope to edit as many seasons of Ziwe as there are seasons of Seinfeld. 

My true dream shows to work on are The Maid and Big Little Lies, and films like Little Women and Lady Bird, edited by my friend and mentor, Nick Houy. I dream of telling stories about brave women. 

For each day in the month of February, the African American Steering Committee will be highlighting Local 700’s African American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African Americans have had on the industry.

Name: Christian Logan

What’s your job? Assistant Editor

List the credits you’re most proud of: Working on “The End is Nye” last year was pretty cool. I got to learn a lot about natural disasters on Earth as I worked but I grew up watching Bill Nye the Science Guy in school so getting to work with Bill Nye in the office from time to time was really surreal.

What are you working on right now? Currently assisting on Season 6 of “9-1-1.”

Who and what are your influences and/or mentors? My current mentor is my editor Kevin Ward. We first met when I got my first job out of film school on the show “Gotham.” He’s been nothing but helpful with my growth as an AE. He’s been extremely encouraging and challenges me by allowing myself to learn different skills first hand. Overall we make a great team and I’m very grateful to learn and work with him.

What books are you reading, shows are you watching and/or movies you’re excited about? I’m reading “Love in Colour” by Bolu Babalola. I just started “The Devil Finds Work” by James Baldwin and I have a couple of chapters left of Seth Rogan’s memoir, “Yearbook.” As for television I’ve been watching season 2 of “Your Honor.” I’m also getting into “The Last of Us” and keeping up with the new season of “Drag Race.”

What would be your superhero name? Giggles. I have no idea what my superpowers would be.

What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? For me what’s been the most impactful has been the support of my family. It’s comforting to know I have their love and support guiding me as I navigate my career.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? A professor I had during undergrad; he always made it clear that in the long run, others would rather work with the person who is inexperienced but works hard and is kind as opposed to the person who is extremely experienced but is not so pleasant to be around.

If you could time travel, when would you go and why? It would be so dope to experience the Harlem Renaissance first hand and to hear Billie Holiday sing live. I would also love to travel to the 60s and watch Nina Simone, John Coltrane or Jimi Hendrix perform.

What’s a little known fact about you? What are your hidden (or not so hidden) talents? When I’m not working, I’m always listening to music, going to concerts any chance I get, sometimes I bake, I love to skate, travel when I can, I love watching documentaries and “Drag Race.”

What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? I’d say the film “Blacula.” My mom and I watched it a lot growing up.

Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? Not particularly. Seeing visual interpretations of songs really made me realize how much you can manipulate pictures or sound in such a way that gives the viewer an experience.

What’s your personal/professional mantra? Fake it until you make it.

What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? Last year I went to the theater to see “Breaking” without seeing a trailer or researching the story beforehand and the film has really stuck with me ever since.

What would be your dream project to work on? Some storytellers whose work I admire and would be over the moon to work on one of their projects are Kahlil Joseph, Janicza Bravo, Melina Matsoukas, Nia DaCosta, Issa Rae, Jordan Peele, Donald Glover, Boots Riley, and Ava DuVernay.

For each day in the month of February, the African American Steering Committee will be highlighting Local 700’s African American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African Americans have had on the industry.

Name: Tonieh TK Ellis

What’s your job? Freelance Avid Picture Editor

List the credits you’re most proud of. MTV’s “Teen Mom” docudrama series for speaking to teens about the realities of sexual education.

What are you working on right now? Taking a break to attend to my TTRPG hobbies.

Who and what are your influences and/or mentors? My mother’s creativity and my father’s work ethic.

What books are you reading, shows are you watching and/or movies you’re excited about? My biggest hobby is videogames and has been since I was a child. It’s amazing to finally see the merger of film and videogames taken seriously at this time with the success of “The Last of Us” series on HBO and “The Witcher” series on Netflix.

What would be your superhero name? Nightblade

What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? When I was a child my mother was a co-author on a children’s book about female black heroes from slavery through the civil rights era. Every year through early grade school when Black History Month came around I would push for my mother’s book to be a part of class or to have my mother come in to my class to do a reading.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? “It doesn’t matter where you start because you can decide where you finish.” – My Father

If you could time travel, when would you go and why? Anywhere in the future. Probably at least 1000 years ahead? I love science-fiction. I want to see where we progress to.

What’s a little known fact about you? What are your hidden (or not so hidden) talents? Thanks to the pandemic I have become very good at trying to realistically paint miniature figures and create dioramas with them.

What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? All of “Black Panther.”

Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? “The Red Violin.”

What’s your personal/professional mantra? Do your job and do it well.

What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? “No Country for Old Men.”

What would be your dream project to work on? I would love to work on a “The Expanse”-like sci-fi series.

For each day in the month of February, the African American Steering Committee will be highlighting Local 700’s African American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African Americans have had on the industry.

Name: Sean Linal Peterkin

What’s your job? Picture Editor

On what show were you able to move up to a new position? I moved up on “Queen Sugar,” Season 6, Ava DuVernay’s scripted TV Series on OWN. Previously my position was an Assistant Editor under Avril Beukes for Seasons 2-4.

What are you working on right now? I’m currently an Editor on Lena Waithe’s Showtime Scripted TV Series, “The Chi,” Seasons 5 and 6.

How did you prepare for the new position? My humble beginnings actually started in high school in the early 1990’s. I worked for Geoffrey Canada’s non-profit community organization, “The Harlem Children Zone,” in New York City. There I learned how to edit, documentary style (using videotape VHS & 3/4 remote linear editing systems). The videos showed community outreach work, (i.e. protest rallies, feeding the elderly, fundraisers, talent shows, bake sales, etc)  and aired on local public access television.

My editing education continued at School of Visual Arts, in New York City. I studied filmmaking and received a BFA in Fine Arts. I had passion for spending endless hours, days and weeks in dark cutting rooms editing 16mm film on the Moviola or Steenbeck, working on my own projects and other students work. I also edited Indie shorts and a couple of features on Final Cut Pro after college.

In the early 2000’s, I moved to Los Angeles, learned editing on Avid and worked for the first 12 years in Unscripted TV shows as an Assistant Editor, Promo Editor and String-out Editor. The next 5 years of my professional experience was as an Assistant Editor in Scripted TV where, over time, I edited recaps, scenes and full acts and finally episodes. Over the last 2 years I’ve worked as an Editor, editing full episodes of the series on which I was previously hired as an Assistant Editor.

Who or what helped you on this journey?  Laura Vural (a community director at The Harlem Children’s Zone) was a pivotal force, teaching me the storytelling process while I was in high school. She educated me on how the art of cinema can inform and transform our community, shaping how the world sees our community. The videos we made were shown not only on local Public Access Television, but also throughout the City of New York, and at the Museum of Modern Art.

During my professional journey, Jen McClure-Metz (at the time a Post Producer for “Survivor”) bumped me up from logger to digitizer to Assistant Editor, when she saw my eagerness to learn non-linear editing on the Avid. I’d come into the Mark Burnett offices on my time off and help out the AE’s and Editors.

Erik C. Andersen, Avril Beukes, Victoria Grimsley, and Chris McGinn gave me opportunities to edit recaps, scenes and more, working with the directors of the episodes on which I assisted, as well as allowing me to sit in on sessions with the showrunner, to learn the process and politics of professional editing.

In terms of networking, Lillian Benson, Jacques Gravett, Troy Takaki and Julio Cesar Perez are my guiding mentors in the ACE Diversity Program. James Wilcox and Ed Abroms also are trusted mentors over the years.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Stay humble, work hard and network.

What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? When I was a child, U.S. President Bill Clinton visited my church, the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights in Brooklyn, New York. I spoke to him and the congregation about MLK, Harriet Tubman and other prominent African American historical figures that inspired me. My mom still has the “New York Daily News” article and photo that featured me.

The Reconstruction Era after the American Civil War has the biggest historical impact on me. During this time, African Americans where granted U.S. citizenship, the right to vote and enfranchisement.

Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? In the 1980’s, I grew up in a household where television was very prominent. I loved shows like “Moonlighting,” “20/20,” “60 minutes,” “Knight Rider,” “The A Team,” “Twin Peaks,” “Remington Steele,” etc.

What’s your personal/professional mantra? Let your passion guide you, in all that you do in life!

What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? TV: Hulu’s Original Series, Kindred.” Movie: 12 Years A Slave.” (Which I saw five times in the movie theaters and double digits amount of times on Blu-ray disc.)

What would be your dream project to work on? LucasFilm and Marvel Television shows or movies.

For each day in the month of February, the African American Steering Committee will be highlighting Local 700’s African American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African Americans have had on the industry.

Name: LaRonda Morris

What’s your job? Television Editor

I began my career in news in Atlanta, GA, and eventually moved to Los Angeles. Working at a fast pace and being able to make decisions quickly – skills I developed in news editing in Atlanta – transferred perfectly when I moved into TV production editing in L.A. Thus far my career has been focused on reality TV and documentaries. These genres are the perfect storm of subject matter, storytelling and music. While all the ingredients are basically the same for whatever you watch – interviews, footage, stills and music – the process of bringing it all together differs greatly. A Television Editor’s job is to understand the overall intention of the show or series and craft a story that keeps the viewer engaged and wanting more. I liken it to a 10,000-piece puzzle where all the pieces have to fit together perfectly in order to have a beautifully finished product.

List the credits you’re most proud of. 

“Road Rules” Season 1 (Bunim/Murray Productions). The amount of footage was enormous so organization was key. Back then we digitized our own footage so we knew exactly what we were working with and how it could be paired with the interviews. It was one of the first reality shows and gave me a new foundation on which to build and raise my storytelling skills to new levels.

“Project Runway” (Magical Elves). This was a different type of competition show based on fashion, skill, creativity and speed. It was a lesson in showing how garments were made from conception to product while intertwining the backstory of the contestants, their relationships on the show and their quest to win the grand prize!

“Surviving R. Kelly” (Bunim/Murray Productions). This show was such a difficult but important story to tell. It was crucial to give the victims a platform and space to tell their story while contextualizing who Robert Kelly was and how he came to be. There was no heavy handed editing; we let moments breathe so the viewer could feel what the interviewees were saying and understand their pain.

What are you working on right now? I am returning to “Project Runway” for Season 20 this year. I’m very excited to dive into the footage, see the cast and the designs they make and to create TV magic!

Who and what are your influences and/or mentors? My high school counselor Mr. Brekenridge encouraged me to live up to my potential and inspired me to attend Spelman College. Mrs. Dobbs, my African American Literature instructor at Spelman, introduced me to a plethora of Black authors. But my biggest influence was Monica Kaufman Pearson, who taught me about news, storytelling, navigating the politics of a newsroom and the art of collaborating with people.

What would be your superhero name? My superhero name would be LionStar. First I’m a Leo (the Lion) and I have many of the traits of the sign – I’m loyal, confident, and compassionate and protective. And the word Star because it’s bright and always shines. When I started in this business it was male-dominated and I had to believe in myself against the odds. Many times I was the only woman in the room and the only person of color so I had to speak up. Hence, LionStar!!!

What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? I think the biggest cultural impact for me was going to the first Obama Inauguration in 2008 with my daughter. My family was deeply involved in politics and as a young girl I accompanied my mother to two different National Conventions. Early on I understood the importance of voting, and the sacrifices made in order to have the right to vote.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? My mom built confidence in me that let me know nothing was out of my reach, while my father always let me know that I am enough! I grew up with 6 brothers who lived to tease me…he used to tell me “you’d better stop crying and develop a thick skin or else you’ll be crying all your life! People will try you and what other people think of you is none of your business, you know who you are and that is enough.”

What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? I think my favorite movie moment is the slam poetry scene from “Love Jones.” It was Black love depicted through the melody of spoken word, a beautiful love story told through flawed friendships and relationships. Being a proud product of an HBCU, I felt seen and validated on every level.

What’s your personal/professional mantra? My personal mantra: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” No matter the situation, tomorrow is a new day. Professionally I believe, speak in the positive, put in the hard work and what is for you will come to fruition. 

Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? It was going to see Monica Kaufman (a TV news anchor), speak at Georgia State. She spoke about how everyone wants to be in front of the camera but there were far more jobs behind the camera and began to list them. When she got to the editor it sounded very interesting. I took my communication classes at Clark College, and I asked my professor about editing; I haven’t looked back since.

What would be your dream project to work on? I love sports, especially football so it would be a dream to work on “Hard Knocks.” Or a documentary series like “The Last Dance” with Michael Jordan. Also it would be a joy to work on a high caliber scripted TV series.

For each day in the month of February, the African American Steering Committee will be highlighting Local 700’s African American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African Americans have had on the industry.

Name: Jalise Beamon

What’s your job/classification? First Assistant Sound Editor

List the credits you’re most proud of. “Turning Red,” “Don’t Look Up,” “Ms. Marvel,” “Luca,” “The Dope Years: The Story of Latasha Harlins”

What are you working on right now? “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”

Who and what are your influences and/or mentors? I learned a lot from  my undergrad professors at UC Irvine and my sound professors at USC. My sound supervisors with whom I work at Skywalker Sound mentor me and help me grow in the profession.  The work of filmmakers from the LA Film Rebellion – Julie Dash and Charles Burnett-  and the writings of Octavia Butler inspire my creativity.

What books are you reading, shows are you watching and/or movies you’re excited about? “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger and “IQ84” by Haruki Murakami. I’m excited to watch any movies put out by A24 in the past year that I haven’t gotten a chance to watch yet, like, “The Whale” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

What would be your superhero name? The Bee Keeper

What are your black history month memories? What cultural or historical events have impacted your life? Both my parents made every day feel like Black History month, because we grew up surrounded by Black visual artists, books, music and film. My Mom was an art teacher at my elementary school and middle school and would always do projects every week based on various artists. Every year during black history month, she would do something on different Black artists like Synthia Saint James or Romare Bearden. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? To be myself

If you could time travel, when would you go and why? If I could travel in time I would go to the future about 3,000 years. I’m interested in where our society is headed.

 What’s a little known fact about you? What are your hidden (or not so hidden) talents? My hidden talent is that I’m a really good cook and food is a big passion of mine.

What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? I really enjoyed the last season of the show “Atlanta.”

 Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? The movie that inspired me the most was Daughters of the Dust” by Julie Dash.

 What’s your personal/professional mantra? I am grounded and centered. Every day I work step by step to achieve my goals.

What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? “La Strada”

What would be your dream project to work on? Any project with Donald Glover or Angela Basset.”

For each day in the month of February, the African American Steering Committee will be highlighting Local 700’s African American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African Americans have had on the industry.

Name: Isaiah Smith

What’s your job? Editor/Assistant Editor

List the credits you’re most proud of. Netflix’s “Lost in Space,” Netflix’s “From Scratch,” Netflix’s “Medal of Honor”

What are you working on right now? Disney+ original movie called “Prom Pact”

Who and what are your influences and/or mentors? Chris Innis has greatly influenced my life. We originally connected many years ago when I was still living in Texas. I reached out to her sharing that I admired her work, and she responded! Since then, it has been a blessing to know her. Over the years, Chris has impacted my life in many ways such as giving me sound advice and criticism, introducing me to wonderful people, and sharing opportunities that could help advance my career. I’m grateful and thankful for our relationship. Doug Mankoff, CEO of Echo Lake Entertainment, has been a great influence in my life as well. Shortly after I graduated from college, he invited me to Los Angeles to stay with him and his family for a week. It was an awesome experience. He lent me a rental car to get around Los Angeles, showed me around his company and arranged for me to meet with several key players in Hollywood. Not to be forgotten, he also gave me my first Post PA gig on a feature film called “Truth,” edited by Richard Francis-Bruce. I’m grateful to be connected with Doug.

What books are you reading, shows are you watching and/or movies you’re excited about? I’m currently reading a book by John Truby called “The Anatomy of Genres.” His other book, “The Anatomy of Story,” is one of my go-to books for story development. He does a fantastic job breaking down what it takes for characters to experience true growth over the span of a story. I love “Top Gun: Maverick.” It’s my #1 movie pick for 2022. Since streaming series take several hours to watch, I find myself watching more movies which are shorter and consume less of my time. Over the last few weeks, I have watched “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Plane,” and “Missing.” These were all enjoyable films to watch.

What would be your superhero name? Captain Awesome

What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? Fortunately, I was raised by parents who encouraged my siblings and me to read books about the lives of well-known historical black figures such as Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass. Black History Month has given me further exposure to how Blacks helped shape America. In school, I remember learning about some of the greats like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman. Even though this was only a glimpse of the contributions made by Black Americans, it showed me at an early age that freedom is not free. Today, I love that I live in a country where diversity is celebrated.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? As soon as you fall in love with your own work you cease to be able to make it better.

If you could time travel, when would you go and why? I’m curious as to what life will be like in the future. I would travel to the year 2223 to study who we have become and the history leading up to that point. Then, I would travel back to the present and use what I gathered from the future to make the world a better place.

What’s a little known fact about you? I really enjoy eating almond butter. I put it on A LOT of my food!

What are your hidden (or not so hidden) talents? I’m great at taking ideas from seed to fruition. I can also throw my car keys straight up into the air and catch them on the way down with my hands behind my back. Lastly, I am terrific at telling humorous jokes with a deadpan face. 🙂

What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? “King Richard” is one of my favorite movies. I watched it twice in the same weekend when it was first released in theaters. A moment that I loved in this film is when Richard defends his way of raising his children. He essentially tells the authorities that his kids won’t ever be in the streets getting mixed up with drugs, gangs or violence. It’s a powerful scene that left me with chills.

Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? There’s not one specific movie or show that led to my career of choice, but “The Greatest Showman” has had a tremendous impact on my life and career. The inspirational storyline about misfits pursuing their dreams has both inspired and motivated me to be all that I can be.

What’s your personal/professional mantra? Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? “Topgun: Maverick”

What would be your dream project to work on? For me, it all comes back to story. I would love to work on a project that presents a heart-moving story that truly leaves a lasting impact on its audience. Projects of this caliber remind me how important it is for artists to continue making art for the world to experience.

For each day in the month of February, the African American Steering Committee will be highlighting Local 700’s African American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African Americans have had on the industry.

Name: Spencer Thompson

What’s your job? Assistant Editor

List the credits you’re most proud of. “Powerbook IV: Force” Season 2

What are you working on right now? “Powerbook IV: Force” Season 2

Who and what are your influences and/or mentors? The who influenced me are Akira Kurosawa, George Lucas, and Christopher Nolan

What books are you reading, shows are you watching and/or movies you’re excited about? I just started “The Men Who Would Be King” by Nicole Laporte

What would be your superhero name? Sky High

What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? Learning about black inventors. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Destiny favors the brave. Be brave, be bold, be everything you are meant to be.

If you could time travel, when would you go and why? I’d love to go back to May 25th, 1977 Watch “Star Wars” opening day. 

What’s a little known fact about you? What are your hidden (or not so hidden) talents? I practiced parkour. 

What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? Sweetback’s Badasssss Song by Melvin Van Peebles is my favorite.

Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? James Bond “Die Another Day” inspired to me to get into the film business. 

What’s your personal/professional mantra? Fix It In Pre!

What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? “Parasite”

What would be your dream project to work on? A Christopher Nolan film.

For each day in the month of February, the African American Steering Committee will be highlighting Local 700’s African American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African Americans have had on the industry.

Name: Aimee Jennings

What’s your job? Picture Editor

List the credits you’re most proud of. I am the most proud of “So,” my independent experimental short film. I traveled around Australia alone for over a month collecting images. When I got back home I started working with the footage. I really found the film in the edit and I am tremendously proud of the little film I made. It even premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. But for something that people actually saw, I’d have to say “Grown-ish” season 4. I was already a fan of the show so being a part of it was a big deal to me. Also, that season had all female editors and that was a first for me.

What are you working on right now? I’m currently working on a new horror/ comedy airing on Hulu this Spring entitled “The Other Black Girl” based on the novel of the same name by Zakiya Dalila Harris. I love horror and comedy sot it’s great to be able to work on both genre’s at the same time.

Who and what are your influences and/or mentors? My biggest career influence and unofficial mentor is Craig Dewey. I worked as his assistant editor on “Bull” seasons 2-4. From day one he encouraged me to edit. He took the time to watch my cuts and explain what worked and what didn’t. Also, he wanted my feedback on his cuts. He made the editor/assistant editor relationship a collaboration and I follow that working philosophy to this day.

What books are you reading, shows are you watching and/or movies you’re excited about? Last year I made the conscious decision to read more, so I started with some classics and popular titles. I’m currently reading “The Alchemist.” As far as movies, I know I’m late to the game but “Nope” was my favorite movie of 2022. I watched it 3 times in a row. I can’t stop thinking about it. “After Yang” was also a favorite from last year. It has the best opening credits sequence in a movie I’ve seen in a long long time. On the TV side, I just started watching “The Resort” on Peacock. It’s a very interesting mystery about time and place.

What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? President Barack Obama’s first inauguration deeply impacted me. I was here living and working in Los Angeles but flew back home to Maryland and my whole family went to see the speech. It was freezing but that didn’t matter. Everyone was so excited and hopeful for our futures. It was a moment I hope will happen again in this country.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? When I was trying to make the move from unscripted to scripted programs I was going back and forth between assisting and editing. I was assisting on unscripted union shows and editing non union short form internet content. Once in a while, I got to shadow an assistant editor on scripted show. Rob Burnett was one of the editors on “The Mindy Project” at the time. He had made that move and recommended that If I want to edit in scripted, I should not edit in unscripted. He saw too many people get stuck and not work as hard to make that switch because they got comfortable in unscripted. I’ve never forgotten that I recommend the same.

If you could time travel, when would you go and why? If I could time travel I would go back to before the time of humans. I’d love to see real dinosaurs in person and see the geography of this planet before human interference.

What’s a little known fact about you? What are your hidden (or not so hidden) talents? I don’t think a lot of people know that I have a twin brother. He’s four minutes older than I am. Also, our mother has twin brother, who is eight minutes older than she. A hidden talent of mine is that I’m a classically trained double bass player.

What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? I don’t have one moment but Robert Townsend’s “Hollywood Shuffle” is one of the most underrated films about Hollywood. It is a great 80’s comedy about the Hollywood system from a black point of view. The movie is filled with humor and heart. It taught me what to expect as a black woman in Hollywood and how to hold onto your dreams and persevere despite all the nonsense.

Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? I can’t recall just one but summer blockbusters like the Indiana Jones trilogy and the Back to the Future movies were times when my whole family went to the movies together and I really loved that. The power of movies and TV to entertain and educate made me want to be a part of this industry. Coming up with alternate storylines or endings that I preferred to popular shows and movies was my favorite thing to do as a kid. Thankfully, my family never discouraged me from pursuing a career in entertainment. No-one said I couldn’t so I never doubted that I could.

What’s your personal/professional mantra? I’ve always loved the mantra ‘dress for the job you want, not the job you have’. I really took that to heart as a PA and an AE. I liked to dress a little nicer than usual and that helped people see me as more than an underling. I never considered myself less than so why would I want other to think that of me. As an editor, I still liked to dress a little more professionally when we were all in person. Since I’ve been working at home, of course, that has all gone out the window.

What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? I don’t know about speechless but I will say that the 2020 film “Wendy” left me in tears for days. I wouldn’t shut up about it for weeks. That film was simultaneously heartbreaking, heartwarming and life affirming. I dare anyone to not want to hug their mother after watching it.

What would be your dream project to work on? That’s a tough one. I have a few screenplay ideas and I aspire to direct. So I’d have to say my dream project is any film I can manage to finish writing and direct myself.

For each day in the month of February, the African American Steering Committee will be highlighting Local 700’s African American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African Americans have had on the industry.

Name: Saleem Aziz

What’s your job? Picture Editor

On what show were you able to move up to a new position? The series “Tom Swift.”

What are you working on right now? I’m currently working alongside Debbie Allen on her new project.

How did you prepare for the new position? Dedicating myself to the craft, getting out of my own way, and listening to the amazing mentors I’m blessed to have.

Who or what helped you on this journey? I began by constantly editing whatever genre would hire me whether unscripted, documentary or fiction. People like Jacques Gravett walked me through the fire like training wheels, but knew when to let go and let me ride on my own. Also, Lillian Benson and Maysie Hoy, helped keep me sharp with great advice, encouragement, and great friendship.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? This one is hard; I’ve been given a lot of gems my whole life, but I think “just listen.” Sounds basic, but I find listening to be the best practice of editing. Listening to a scene, not just the dialog, helps me find the rhythm and connection between the characters and the story we are trying to tell.

What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? Most people who know me know I’m originally from NYC, but I also grew up in a few other areas too. One of which was an all black town in South Jersey that was literally a stop along the Underground Railroad where Harriet Tubman would have meetings. There is a preserved home that has hidden doors in the floors to hide runaway slaves from slave catchers. With the current state of politics these days trying to revise history or pretend like this never happened, it was extremely surreal and grounding to be able to walk into a home that helped people like my ancestors escape the unfortunate “legal” yet immoral institution of human ownership. It propelled me to dream and push for those dreams.

Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? I can’t pinpoint to something to say this was the show or movie that made me want to get into this industry; for me it’s always been about the fascination with storytelling.

What’s your personal/professional mantra? Once you step outside, it’s not all about you anymore. It’s about the community of people and living things that make up this world. No one or no one thing is greater than the total sum, so try to treat everyone and everything like the balance of life depends on it.

What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? This is a tall order question right here…let’s go with “The Silent Sea” (Netflix) for TV and “The Woman King” for movie.

What would be your dream project to work on? My dream project will always be helping to tell a great story no matter the genre.